Natalie Trow-McDonald of Pineville poses with musician Taylor Mathews on Wednesday as her mother takes their picture. Mathews was at the Alexandria Mall to meet fans. / Leandro Huebner

Written by

Town Talk staff

Taylor Mathews was a long way from Hollywood on Wednesday, but he was still

enjoying his newfound success.

Mathews, 18, of Alexandria this summer became one of 10 finalists on NBC's "America's Got Talent." The singer was eliminated from the competition last week after a run that allowed him to perform in front of millions of viewers on television.

On Wednesday, he signed autographs and posed with fans at the Alexandria Mall Food Court, flashing his trademark big smile.

Lynn Sanders, mall marketing manager, said the mall was proud to host Mathews because he is "a great reflection on the city of Alexandria."

Coming up for Mathews is a tour featuring some of the top 10 acts from "America's Got Talent." The tour will begin Oct. 1 in Oakland, Calif., and run through Nov. 7 in Orlando, Fla. The nearest the tour will come to Cenla is an Oct. 13 date at the Verizon Theatre in Grand Prairie, Texas, which is near Dallas.

On Wednesday night, the overall "America's Got Talent" winner was named. Singer Michael Grimm, who bested Mathews last week, was named the winner.